OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Thurston County sheriff, who has publicly blasted his own county commissioners for proposed cuts to his deputies, is now lashing out at the federal government.
Sheriff Dan Kimball says he is outraged that the 22 sheriff's offices in Washington state which applied for federal stimulus money received nothing.
Thurston County asked for funding for 15 deputy positions that either are already vacant or at risk of being cut.
"I would have been delighted to have received funding for two or three positions. But to get nothing when we already have the lowest staffed sheriff's office per capita in the state is disappointing," said Kimball in a press release.
The sheriff says the preferred ratio is two deputies per 1,000 residents. The state average is 1:1,1000. Kimball says, in Thurston County, the ratio is currently 0.6 to every 1,000 residents.
"We thought we had a great argument for some financial help," said Kimball.
Kimball says initial analysis of grants awarded in 14 western states shows more money going towards cities over county offices - 1,195 positions in city agencies versus 121 positions to county sheriff's offices.
Earlier this year, Kimball called out Thurston County commissioners after they directed him to cut nearly $2 million from his department's budget. Kimball said it would put public safety at risk.

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